I provide commentary on political economy, police and prosecutorial abuse, and whatever else might come to mind.
Let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 (ESV)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Arnt, Gregor, and the Rule of the High School Bullies

[Update II]: I read in my devotional literature this morning that today is National Honesty Day in the United States. My sense is that every day in Brian House's courtroom, at least where the prosecution is concerned, is National Dishonesty Day. God help us.

[Update: Friday, 6:10 AM]: I received an email from someone who visited the trial yesterday. This person does not know the people being tried or anyone else involved in the case. This is a description of what this person saw, and it is quite germane to the subject of my post. Read on:

House looked pale and spooked. Other posters aren't kidding when they say he watches the prosecutors for his cues -- he actually watches the prosecutors most all of the time period.

Gregor and Aren't (my own joke) honestly acted like children -- if they were my son I'd have gone up and pulled him up by his ears and told him to stop acting like an idiot. As the defense questioned a Mr. Walker on the stand, the two of them couldn't sit still. On purpose, of course, they acted like 12 year olds -- they'd put their heads in their hands and shake them, they'd put their arms behind their heads and sigh -- they were like baby monkeys!

The (prosecutors) left through their doors -- laughing, joking, waiting on House to leave with them. Tim Deal (that's an entire, scary story all to itself) prissed out behind them, as if begging them to wait up so he could be part of the gang.

I think these words speak for themselves. You have to understand that what this person has described above in the last paragraph is prima facae evidence of ex parte conversations between the judge and the prosecutors. This violates judicial ethics and because House has not reported these conversations with the prosecutors to the defense, he is in violation of the judicial codes that supposedly govern his actions. Food for thought.

[End Update]

One of the most common sets of complaints I receive involve the behavior of Chris "Facebook" Arnt and Len "The Man" Gregor, who remind me of the bullies in high school who sat in the back of class, made noise, were rude and utterly narcissistic.

Narcissism is the personality trait of egotism, often used as a pejorative, denoting vanity, conceit, egotism or simple selfishness. Applied to a social group, it is sometimes used to denote elitism or an indifference to the plight of others.

Yes, I think that narcissism definitely applies to a couple of men who make catcalls, laugh out loud at the testimony of defense witnesses, openly mock the attorneys, roll their eyes, smirk, and engage in the kind of behavior that one might expect at the Delta House.

Why do they do it? They do it because "Judge" Brian House encourages this behavior. Interestingly, when someone from the defense apologized to a defense witness after the Dishonest Duo had been trying to scream at this woman and humiliate her, then House sprang into action and sanctioned the defense team.

A friend of mine who has testified in more than 500 cases, and who is a better-qualified expert than the entire staff of the Children's Advocacy Center combined, told me that she was testifying in court when an assistant district attorney (like the Dishonest Duo) simply rolled his eyes at a statement by someone else, the judge immediately called him out and fined him $500.

Will we see Brian House demand such decent behavior from his good friends, Facebook and The Man? I seriously doubt it.

As a journalist and writer, I have been to a number of trials, and I cannot recall one time seeing a prosecutor act in the rude, obnoxious and bullying manner of Len Gregor and Chris Arnt. I have seen Gary Gerbitz, Frank Groves, and many more, and I can tell you that to a person, whether you agreed with them or not, they were ADULTS.

What is going on in the courtroom of Brian House is nothing more than two bullies pushing around other people who are not permitted to fight back, and you can tell they are enjoying themselves. Arnt and Gregor are nothing but dishonest bullies who apparently get their jollies from falsely accusing people and seeing how far they can push their attempts to frame innocent people.

However, it is not enough for Len Gregor that he is bullying witnesses and acting like a jerk. No, he had to call out Melydia Clewell from Channel 3 because, apparently, she has not bowed down and worshiped him and his "evidence" that is built upon perjury. Clewell's lack of reverence for "The Man" seems to throw him into a rage, snd it is clear that "The Man" really feels most like a man when he is bullying women.

(Someone else pointed out to me that as soon as the Today Show crew left the courtroom, he started his bullying routine again. Hey, "The Man," why don't you show that lady from Today how tough you are?)

This weekend, I will be doing a series on the evidence, and at the end, I think I will demonstrate that House, Arnt, and Gregor are not "mistaken" in their interpretation of the evidence. To a man, each of them knows that they have seen perjured testimony from the prosecution witnesses, and that they have approved of it, and that they will continue to do as they damn well please because, after all, they are like the jock bullies running around.

However, I do recall one prosecutor who laughed out loud, bullied witnesses, rolled his eyes, smirked, and acted as though he owned the courtroom. His name was Mike Nifong, and the last I saw of Mikey, he was in a hearing room bawling like a child because the North Carolina State Bar had stripped him of his license.

140 comments:

Perfect timing, I had just posted the below to the previous thread then saw that evidently two minds were thinking alike at the very same time this evening and that it would better fit here.

I am drafting a letter tonight to District Attorney Buzz Franklin. He has been getting off way too easy so far, after all he is the supervisor to Arnt and Gregor and as such is responsible for their actions. I plan keep my letter very respectful but point out in no uncertain terms that:

1) I vote2) I have worked on political campaigns before and will be volunteering for whoever his opponent is as well as donating to their campaign3) I plan to write letters to several attorneys I have a good opinion of asking them to consider running for District Attorney (Franklin has been unopposed several times),4) Arnt and especially Gregor continually have exhibited juvenile, boorish, bullying behavior that reminds one of a legend in his own mind high school athlete swaggering around picking on smaller kids. This continued poor behavior by his subordinates, as well as other incidents like Arnt's Facebook issues, brings disgrace to the office and calls Mr. Franklin's management abilities into serious doubt. Who runs his office, himself or Arnt and Gregor?5) Why has Mr. Franklin, as District Attorney, made an obvious choice to be publicly absent from this case?

Please join me in letting Mr. Franklin know that we are not happy with his performance as an elected official. In the interest of full disclosure, my letter will include that based on the evidence as reported, I do think Tonya Craft is innocent, but that may main concern is the behavior of his office in this matter and my belief that in the end it seriously undermines our criminal justice system.

"The Man" needs a good ole country ass whipping. Anyone that bullies women like he does is a low life coward and would fold like a cheap deck of cards if confronted by a real man. Maybe someday . . . .

Yes, I was in court today and it was so sad they way he was acting. I have been in court for a week now and today I saw the jury keep looking at the prosecution team alot. I went into this trial knowing Tonya in high school. My reasoning for going was to go and see what evidence they had against her to see if these allegations were true. I did think she would do such a thing but was not 100% sure because you now anyone is capable of anything and I really have not spoke to Tonya except in passing at the ballfields and around town. Once in court I was outrage at the way that Mr. Arnt and Gegor is handling themseleves. Also outraged as how Judge House has aloud things to go on unfair. mr house is not there to pick sides he is the to balance everything out and he has not done that at all. never have seen a judge smucker and grin and laugh like he does. i voted for him and now regret I did. I have learned from this I will investigate on who i vote for again. I hope and pray the jury sees right through this.

I feel comfortable assuming Chris and Len each have just a bit more male ego to brag about than Melydia does, but I wouldn't wager anything on an assumption. (Lets just consider that a compliment to Melydia!)

When he made the remark, I naturally tried to figure out what he could gain from it.

Melydia will not report inaccuracies or spin like Channel 9 because of it, actually more of the opposite now.

The jury won't see evidence of guilt, nor should they discount what the defense has shown them as a result of a cheap insult to a party not even a part of the case.

Maybe he hoped to stir the interest of the jury, as a mistrial resulting from jurors all checking up on the media is a better outcome from the way things are looking, but that's a stretch for a solution now.

Unable to find any reasonable outcome that is beneficial to the prosecution, I'm left with only insecurities, desperation ...from one searching hard to dig himself out of a hole deeper than any he's ever experienced before.

Anybody catch how the prosecution today made a low blow on the local media for doing their job? I wonder if this will change the color to how they report this case. The local ABC station the other day ran their story with the headline "Prosecution Gains Ground" on the very day the expert on adolescent health blew the whole of their whole physical evidence out of the water.

I also hope they will start reporting on how the prosecution has been slandering hom and bi sexuality as being criminal--which they do only through insinuation, because nobody has been able to provide a shred of evidence she has ever ACTUALLY done anything to or with another female. Next thing Arnt is going to accuse her of is stealing the Lindburgh baby and that she was the sooter on the grassy knoll. Hmm, I wonder if these guys' hero was the prosecutor from the film JFK...wouldn't dout it, seeing as he was a nut job, self-egrandizist too.

Thank you for the update on the demeanor of the prosecutors, lead detective, and judge. I think their actions say it all. Unfortunately, I don't believe Tonya has much of a chance against such a determined effort to destroy her. I know everyone is saying her ex stopped contesting the divorce after hearing about the videos, but I can't help but wonder if she heard the same words I did when faced with a manipulative, mentally abusive ex. 'I'll destroy you.' Sure seems like it.

I also was in court yesterday...I believe these clowns think the media was there to applaud their excellent detective work. I don't think the dynamic duo has a clue what the public thinks about the HOUSE of horror.

How could these men not know what the public is thinking? I know that being the self absorbed men they are, that they are reading these comments every single day.

Most of the people here, myself included, don't even know this lady. I/we do however, know injustice when we see it and that should be the main point here. Just give her a fair trial and let the chips fall where they may.

These men, and use the term very loosely, really believe that they are operating in their own universe. They are obviously too ignorant to know that the world is watching their Bozo actions in court and a day of reckoning will come. Remember Nifong, Remember Nifong, Remember Nifong.

I do think that the His Highness might be getting a grasp of the national scrutiny and the sh** he has gotten himself into. That's why he's now looking "pale & spooked". He sees his career being flushed down the drain as he watches the morons perform in front of him. The problem is that he doesn't have the stones to reel them in. Public servants my ass. Public self-servants.

Has anyone noticed that for the last 2 days we haven't heard from our little "friends" from the clown car? Hmmmmm... I do find it odd. Maybe when they saw the national media was using this blog as part of their piece, they didn't feel like showing their ignorance & lack of "evidence" anymore.

" Joy Lukachick.. On the stand, Ms. Lawson read through her report, explaining that, after the child started having nightmares, the mother asked her, "Did anything ever happen to you when you were at Ms. Tonya's?"

The child told her mother that something happened at the January 2008 party at Ms. Craft's house, Ms. Lawson testified.

During the mother's testimony at the trial, however, she said she found out about the alleged molestation after an incident on May 23, 2008."

I saw the group of them (the judge and 3 or 4 men in suits)standing outside of the courthouse door shortly after breaking for lunch. They were laughing out loud, one yelled to someone in the parking lot, smiling and chatting like frat boys after a football game. I thought this was about the lives and protection of innocent children. What could be so funny when an alleged serious crime is being evaluated on the other side of the door from where they just departed? It would not be so funny if one of their children was hurt(if any of them have any). Or is it humorous because they know a child(ren) has "not" been hurt? I feel sick to my stomach, like a death has occurred when I think of this situation, not an urge to crack a joke. As I have read the reports from the media and bloggers about the behavior and facial expressions of the prosecution and judge, I had trouble believing it. Now I have seen it with my own eyes. (it actually burned an imprint in my mind that I cannot erase). I have no problem with attorneys and judges enjoying each other's company (after all, who else will befriend them or understand their flippant know-it-all attitude ), but save the adolescent behavior for gatherings outside of the courthouse/workplace square. I realize it is just a paycheck for them, but show some professionalism and respect for the families involved(which includes all of us living in this community). And a little reverance for the oath taken and the promises to the voters wouldn't hurt either. BTW--I am not a truthfortonya supporter, have no dog in this fight, just started reading the testimonies when the trial began. I believed she was guilty when I saw a news report, because I did not think cases like this would go to trial without bulletproof evidence. Boy, was I wrong. I have lost almost all faith in the judicial process now. God help anyone involved in this case who has mishandled someone's life. Children grow up, gain knowledge and wisdom, and almost always take the side of the woman who carries them in her body, comforts and cares for them 24-7, and would die/and or go to prison to protect them--nothing is stronger than that bond. But, you would have to be the biological mother to understand that.

There are rumors that DA Buzz Franklin did not want to pursue this case to begin with, but Gregor and Arnt filed whatever was necessary to proceed with the case while Franklin was away on vacation or something. This is why he has distanced himself from it.

Also, there are rumors that Franklin is not interested in seeking another term as DA and that Gregor will be running for his seat if this is the case.....

To a man and woman, all four judges sitting on the bench in the LMJC should be tarred and feathered for making a mockery of justice in the LMJC. Not a one of them serves impartially, not a one of them applies the law, and in fact it is well known they accept cash in envelopes. And indeed, eyerolling is sanctioned as being contempt in the state of Georgia by any attorney standing before the Bar; as is screaming, overdramatic body languange, and so forth. The very dignity of justice is sullied by these who call themselves Officers of the Court. They have put more innocent people in jail on false charges for no probable cause than all of us can even begin to count. I know from personal experience.

Judge House has face in hand as Dr. Lorandos talks about GA laws. Lorandos, "I'm sure the honorable court knows all of this" -from WRCB's blog. I'm amazed that this is happening. I wish someone with the attorney general's office would come in wearing plain clothes to watch this.

What is going on in the court this morning in NOT fair. How much longer, as citizens of Catoosa County, can we let this go on?

Do I have anyone that will partner with me and start a protest TODAY on the courthouse lawn. Need at least 50 people. Can do it at 12 noon, when they break for lunch. It can be done peacefully by holding up signs. "We demand a fair trial" Fair trial?

K, I have cried a lot during this trial, but I am completely losing it now. My heart could not break for a stranger more than it is right now. Just don't understand how they keep getting by with this. The railroad is hammering down the tracks very quickly today. Wow!

Following this with great [but grim] amusement from up here in the Dark Corner.

Reading this latest blog entry, it strikes me that these are not men we are talking about - they are mere boys.

Taking the "accusers" - and I use that term with great sympathy for these children - can someone please enlighten me on these points?:

1st accuser - Let's call her Accuser A - Is she the one who is the pole dancer and aspiring actress?

2nd accuser - Let's call her Accuser B - How is she connected to the defendant and to Accusers A & C?

3rd accuser - Accuser C - This is defendant's daughter right? Did her allegations come out AFTER the Child "Protective" Services had removed her, along with her brother, from her mother and ultimately sent her to live with her serial philanderer biological father?

Thanks from me and from other interested parties for clearing up these fine points.

If we can get enough people there I would protest! This is absolutely ridiculous. It is so very obvious that the prosecution is extremely desperate and see this getting away from them. Therefore, they must pull something out of their butts that is, as usual, unfair and against the rules.

Accuser 3, daughter, came up with allegations long after removal and being placed with father (step mom is the one Craft went to authorities about suspect inappropriate behavior with her daughter) it was after that incident that Craft was accused by Lamb. Daughter is the one on tape saying "My mom (step) showed me what was what and where I was touched"

I have read blogs and e-mails from here and other places asking where is the DA I heard yesterday that he did not want to proceed with this case the two did so while he was on vacation and they where in charge they proceeded with it and that is why he is not showing his face around the court (much) because he wants nothing to do with it...

Heads up, Dade County. According to the lmjd website, on the home page, Judge House is going up there instead of Judge Wood on July 15. If Judge House is finished in Catoosa County. Shiver here. I do hope Judge House is not only finished in Catoosa County by 7/15, but finished on the bench. It appears District Attorney Franklin has on problems with what's going on from this info.

Other than being removed by the Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia for unfitness, the only process for removal of a judge is as provided by the CONSTITUTIONOF THE STATE OF GEORGIA:

SECTION VII.IMPEACHMENTSParagraph I. Power to impeach. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power to vote impeachment charges against any executive or judicial officer of this state or any member of the General Assembly.Paragraph II. Trial of impeachments . The Senate shall have the sole power to try impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be on oath, or affirmation, and shall be presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Should the Chief Justice be disqualified , then the Presiding Justice shall preside. Should the Presiding Justice be disqualified , then the Senate shall select a Justice of the Supreme Court to preside. No person shall be convicted without concurrence of two-thirds of the members to which the Senate is entitled .Paragraph III. Judgments in impeachment. In cases of impeachment, judgments shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit within this state or to receive a pension therefrom , but no such judgment shall relieve any party from any criminal or civil liability.

In other words,a judge gets to sit until they are voted out by the electorate.

I was responding to the info posted on the 6am Friday update about witnessing the prosecution's behavior while waiting at the door for the judge to exit with them...It brought the image of the men laughing on the stairway/porch outside the door of the courthouse across from Richard's restaurant. I recognize the judge from the televised news reports. I don't know what the prosecutors look like so I cannot identify them. It was the yelling across the parking lot that got my attention and caused me to look. I thought it was an odd place to be whooping it up and laughing. Based on the demeanor of the prosecution being described by those in the courtroom I am assuming they are part of the "team." I can't qualify as an "expert witness" on the ID of the other jokesters. Sorry, if my guess sheds a bad light on the team.

Take a look at the photo's of Arndt and crew. Was it them? if so, that is called improper judicial conduct and ex parte conversation. ie will get the case overturned on appeal (they have alot already I think but I am no lawyer).

Defense has grounds for mistrial already, From Westlaw on Georgia Case law :

[4] KeyCite Citing References for this Headnote

110 Criminal Law 110XVII Evidence 110XVII(G) Character of Accused 110k375 Character or Reputation of Accused 110k376 k. In general. Most Cited Cases

If evidence is relevant and material to an issue in a case, it is not inadmissible because it incidentally puts the defendant's character in issue; what is forbidden is the introduction by the state in the first instance of evidence whose sole relevance to the crime charged is that it tends to show that the defendant has bad character.

Bill saw your comment on twitter regarding DA not rec'ing email. I'm not Twitter "savy" so I'm not sure you saw my reply to that....I'm wondering why in the world Tonya's attorney's would email something so imp? Why not overnight with a signature? I'm sure they rec'd it and are lying, but why take the chance?? tpla

Just my humble opinion here, but Judge House is an elected official. And there is a recourse for an elected official to remove them from office citizens can do, unless I have missed a major change in the last few years. What about a recall petition? You'd probably have to go to the local election office to find out how to do it, but recall petitions have worked in the past. Just remember, anyone signing has to be registered to vote.

House allowed all the prosecution's witnesses to testify to hearsay, but an expert interviewer is not allowed to discuss what happened in her interviews with Tonya's children. I'm writing and calling the attorney general right now!

I hope House, Arnt and Gregor are fired for their behavior in this case. I hope they will have to pick up cans on the side of the road. I have NEVER seen anything like this. They let pure gossip with no evidence go on as testimony when they won't allow evidence with proof. Dear God I feel as if I am in a third world country.

The mothers in this case are nothing but a gossiping bunch of whoremongers. If Ms Wilson spent more time teaching her child and less time gossiping, her precious darlin might have pased. As far as Lambs daughter goes, if I was her teaches she would get 100 on everthing just so I could get the little snot and her mother out of my hair.

The unbelievable is becoming the truly surreal. It is just breathtaking.

I predict House and crew will truly go over the edge and pull out all stops from now until the end. They are trying to get a conviction at any costs to buy them some time to figure out a way to extricate themselves from this mess. Actually, that is good. Desperate people do desperate things that come back to haunt them. If it gets truly crazy, that should help the jury see this for what it is, and also give that much more material for the day of reckoning that will be forthcoming for those three.

Tonya Craft isn't the end, only the beginning, since other cases they pulled the same trick on and got a guilty verdict will now be coming back to the forefront.

Defense ultimately will move for a mistrial, the prosecution has totally bungled this case.

A declaration of a mistrial generally means that the court MUST hold a retrial on the same subject. A valuable exception occurs in criminal cases in the United States. If the court erroneously declares a mistrial, or if prosecutorial misconduct forced the defendant into moving for a mistrial, the constitutional protection against double jeopardy bars retrial of the accused.

I would really love to read the transcripts or view a full video. The tweets are great synopsis but there is so much incredible information left out. At this point I want to know the details Dr. Hazzard is explaining or attempting to give testimony about. There must be something so damning in her reports that the persecution wanted to make sure the defense couldn't present it, hence the raid.

If Judge House is faced with a motion for a mistrial by the defense, he will most likely deny it.however, the testimony is so contaminated at this point anything less is reversible error. The prosecution is not going to win this one, unless the collective IQ of the jury is in the 70 range. Judge House, and the LMJC will never live this down, the liability right now against Catoosa County is in the multimillion dollar range as it is. Ultimately, the taxpayers are going to foot the bill for this farce.

Somehow this tragedy reminds me of the story Dangerous Liasons. I sure hope the two evil mothers meet the same fate that Glenn Close did in the movie version when the public discovers her evil plot to destroy the lives of some innocent people.

Chances are there are at least several on the jury that will see this as a sham. BUT, isn't there a huge pressure put on the jury by the judge in most cases to come to a unanimous decision? Also, isn't it the judge who instructs the jury? Isn't it true that juries are never informed in today's courts about all their rights, duties, and powers as jurors? Its my understanding that juries can override a judge and the law and decide upon boththe verdict and the punishment - they just are not ever informed of their rights and so they defer to the instructions of the judge.

I forgot to answer an earlier question, no, the same jury will not hear the case, and all of this is going to be moot. The jury is not sequestered, and unless they are total idiots there's little chance they'll all agree Ms. Craft is guilty. @Anon 12:27, thank you, not quite a lawyer, but I do have considerable experience with legal issues and the LMJC. Like Mr. Anderson, a concerned citizen, and only want to see justice done. The LMJC is unfortunately a reflection of the electorate they serve. The good thing is that times are changing and people here are getting better educated as to what justice really is about. My estimate is there are only a few good honest attorneys in the area, maybe 20%, and the fees charged are totally disproportionate to what they actually do. The reason for that? They have to give the judges a split, that's how things are done here. Sad but true. As to the jury, they only decide guilt or innocence, the judge decides the sentencing.

1) Judge (and/or lawfirm) was opposing counsel for current defendant's husband during their divorce proceedings. Custody battle could be termed turbulent at best.

2) Judge did not repremand or disqualify prosectutor who publicly solicited guilty "verdicts" from the public at large and state witnesses on his Facebook page. Prosecutor also called defense "insane" to which a state witness gave the "thumbs up" on said Facebook page.

3) Judge allowed heresay testimony on rumored bisexual acts committed by defendant to be considered a prior "bad act" that would predispose her to being a child molestor. However judge later did not allow Defense's expert witness testify to documented her direct experiences with the defendant, defendant's ex-husband, and the defendant's children at the request of a Tennessee court - because it was heresay.

www.gajqc.com/complaint.cfmIn the Superior Court of Catoosa County Indictment 2008-SU-CR534Print it out, stating that you believe Judge House has violated: Canon I, An independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable to justice in our society. Judges shall participate in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing high standards of conduct, and shall personally observe such standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary may be preserved.Canon II a, A. Judges shall respect and comply with the law* and shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.Canon III Judges Shall Perform the Duties Their Office Impartially and DiligentlyA. Judicial Duties in General.The judicial duties of judges take precedence over all their other activities.Their judicial duties include all the duties of their offices prescribed bylaw*. In the performance of these duties, the following standards apply:B. Adjudicative Responsibilities.(1) Judges shall hear and decide matters assigned to them, except those inwhich they are disqualified.(2) Judges should be faithful to the law* and maintain professionalcompetence in it. Judges shall not be swayed by partisan interests,public clamor, or fear of criticism.(3) Judges shall require* order and decorum in proceedings over whichthey preside.(4) Judges shall be patient, dignified, and courteous to litigants, jurors,witnesses, lawyers, and others with whom they deal in their officialcapacity, and shall require* similar conduct of lawyers, and of staffs, courtofficials, and others subject to their direction and control. Judges can beefficient and business-like while being patient and deliberate.(5) Judges shall perform judicial duties without bias or prejudice. Judgesshall not, in the performance of judicial duties, by words or conductmanifest bias or prejudice, including but not limited to bias or prejudicebased upon race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexualorientation or socio-economic status, and shall not permit staff, courtofficials and others subject to judicial direction and control to do so.Commentary: Judges must refrain from speech, gestures or other conduct that couldJudges must perform judicial duties impartially and fairly. Judges who manifest bias onany basis in a proceeding impair the fairness of the proceeding and bring the judiciary intodisrepute. Facial expression, body language, in addition to oral communication, can giveto parties or lawyers in the proceeding, jurors, the media and others an appearance ofjudicial bias. Judges must be alert to avoid behavior that may be perceived as prejudicial.1 of 8judicial bias. Judges must be alert to avoid behavior that may be perceived as prejudicial.(6) Judges shall require* lawyers in proceedings before the court to refrainfrom manifesting, by words and conduct, bias or prejudice based uponrace, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation orsocio-economic status, against parties, witnesses, counsel or others. (7) Judges shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in aproceeding, or that person’s lawyer, the right to be heard according to law*.Judges shall not initiate or consider ex parte communications, or considerother communications made to them outside the presence of the partiesconcerning a pending or impending proceeding, except that:(a) where circumstances require, ex parte communications forscheduling, where administrative purposes or emergencies that do notdeal with substantive matters or issues on the merits are authorized;provided:(i) the judge reasonably believes that no party will gain a proceduralor tactical advantage as a result of the ex parte communication, and(ii) the judge makes provision promptly to notify all other parties ofthe substance of the ex parte communication and allows anopportunity to respond.

I was in court today and was able to see this mockery of a trial for myself...I am appalled! No need for a judge because the DA is definitely running the show. Honestly, the judge looks at them everytime just before he overrules the defense team! What are they so afraid of...the defense wants to hear the opinion of a real expert...with credentials...and they continuously object. Mr. Deal was seen rolling his eyes to the prosecutions supporters...the DA Slamming a paper down in front of defense attorney...and House just sits there. He actually looks annoyed to even be there. Nothing but praise for the defense team...they never let this outlandish behavior rattle them. I pray the jurors can see the TRUTH in all the manipulations!

dont forget about the trumped up charge that left tonya's private investigator arrested and is not supposed to speak of her case AND the therapist in atlanta who's office was raided and the craft file was taken and she is not allowed to testify her findings...MT

We all should not use the EXACT wording, as it would look like a form mail kind of thing. However, we could take the point just posted and put them in our own words. I think we might be on to something.

CBS' Crimesider has gotten into the act. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20003797-504083.html

Interesting comment when I read the story. Seems the national media is picking up the footage from their affiliates and going from there. Although, from what I saw on WDEF's site, they're not reporting as much as the other stations.

How come no media except this site is talking about the misconduct of the prosecutors and the judge?That's the frigging story that the nation needs to hear about.There are plenty of trials, but the real story is about the unfairness of this non trial.

I find the notion deeply offensive that channel 9 or NBC Today is more equal than me in observing a public trial.

Unless you are literally turning away spectators/observers (in which case CCTV seems the obvious solution), then I can observe and records the PUBLIC proceeding in any manner that does not interfere with the proceedings.

My camcorder of choice would be DigaNet Glasses. How could glasses possibly disrupt the proceeding?

BTW, if CCTV was used, I would tap the feed and capture it on a digital video recorder. Well, maybe not. It is probably illegal to "tamper with County Property. Even so I would consider streaming the CCTV feed to the internet merely my media efforts to insure that the trial is truly public.

There is one camera in the courtroom that is pooled by the local media. No one is allowed to bring cameras into a courtroom, unless you are media. Surprisingly, this JA hasn't pulled the plug & believe me he has tried to bait the media into improper behavior. They are not taking the bait. It's all good & everything will come to a head.

Everyone, my Aunt, who is a published author wrote this & posted it on her FB page today. She is in CO, but has read up on this fiasco & is in full agreement that this woman is being railroaded. I found it most fitting.

"The highest common good is mostly found in the heart of uncommon people. To live above the common frequency, one must be tethered to the Uncommon while breathing commom air..and so in Him, I live and breathe and have my being!" Ann Stewart-Porter

I posted to my FB and begged of my friends who are on the prosecution's "side" to please show me where and why anything they are doing is right.

Wow. Wonder why Lorandos asked the expert if she thought a child should be counseled by a therapist with a mental illness? And she says, yes. Lorandos may have a wild card, we'll just have to see if he can get it in so the jury can hear.

I will have to take my DigaNet glasses to both a state and federal trial here in Milwaukee and film the proceedings.

The founding IDEA of America is that we (more precisely I) have not only the opportunity, but the duty to oversee the Government that presumes to act in our (my) name.

Any peaceful activity by which I choose which to the exercise that duty are legitimate.

Moreover I would say that such peaceful activities (observing and recording a public trial are Constitutional protected under the 9th amendment as on one of my un-enumerated, yet un-disparaged rights. It is activity certainly within the penumbra of the 6th amendment.

Can somonee who was at this 3 ring circus side show keep us informed about what the Jury looks like and is up to? I'd like to know their facial expressions when they aren't sleeping. What kind of people do they look to be? Do they look shocked or worried when the defense has its witnesses on? What is happening?

I saw that and about fell out my chair laughing. Thanks for the credit. Apparently, right now it is time for prosecutors to consult it again. Oh, just had a thought, the 8 ball might not be in the bathroom. I bet it is in a janitors closet with a shrine built around it.

WRCBTV.com (channel 3) hasn't posted anything new in roughly an hour...what's going on with that? Does anyone know? Has the prosecution asked for a break to write the next part of their pathetic script?

anon 3:04, I can, with facts, tell you that Melydia Clewell is not related to Tonya Craft! Omg, this has become even more insane. Melydia is not even from here, she is from Louisiana. Her husband is from here, but no relation. I can tell you with absolute no bias that Melydia went into this trial with what everyone is supposed to do, innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution is the one that is making it difficult for all of the media to believe. So if you could, just write a little comment there telling whoever that was to go sell their snake oil elsewhere. Wow! Btw, I'm not blaming you for the comment, I just needed to make that clear.

Denise,I firmly believe in giving credit where credit is due. It was witty & sarcastic, just like me!!! LOLDo you think when they open the door to the closet that a spotlight comes on & they hear Beethoven's Fifth?

the same lady that was throwing out the relationship connection (she did on wrcb fb page too) also is throwing out parts of scripture that i guess she THINKS would refer to tonya. she, along with others are grasping for straws!! tpl

anon 3:50, I just took care of that. I know the girl, went to school with her. She was a loser & is doing just that, grasping at straws. In fact, a lot of people in school thought their family was the product of incest. I'm not being ugly, it's just what a LOT of people thought. They are really odd, & I don't mean that in a judgemental way. They just were very different & tried way too hard to fit in.

Also, she works for FCA, which is amazing to me as she was never an athlete. It's embarrassing to have ever been a part of that now & you can bet that my child will not be a part of it because of it's "leader".

While I m no expert in law, especially Ga law. I did have a opportunity to serve on the Grand Jury in Hamilton County. What are joke! The Jury Foreman, ran the show, there was immense pressure to indict. 99.9% of everything that came up went to trial. I am sure being so close the same kind of pressure exists in an even smaller Catoosa County. Guilt or innocence is not really the issue here for a couple reasons, although I think she is innocent. I have some inside information about activities of all the families involved and why these charges are being trumped against her, but I am not at liberty so say as it is hearsay. But lets say , I beleive it based on my source of information. The real problem here is the travesty of justice befalling Tonya. It could be you or someone in your family. What ever happened to being innocent until being "proven" guilty. It is the responsibility of the state, to prove beyond a resonible doubt, her guilt. With the testimony I have read, they have not done this! I hope for an acquittal, but I fear a conviction. Can you answer me, Mr. Anderson, Is this an all in or all out deal or is each count weighed seperately? I am not a lawyer and just curious?

About Me

I teach economics at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. We are located on the Allegheny Plateau, and we have cool summers and tough winters.
I am the single father of five children, four of them adopted from overseas and I have two grandchildren. My family and I are members of Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA).